If You Build It: Charlotte, NC Whitewater Center

The first thing most paddlers notice at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, isn't the 1,200-yard-long course, which ranges from beginner-friendly to freestyle- and slalom-specific runs. Rather, it's the "magic carpet"—a conveyor belt that whisks paddlers back to the top of the course and eliminates the need to portage. For hardened paddlers of natural, freeflowing rivers, it's these sorts of novel features that make a visit to the world's largest artificial whitewater river a strange and wonderful experience.

North America's first "concrete river" is loaded with superlatives: The entirely artificial course cost $38 million to build, and recirculates 12 million gallons of well water with high-powered pumps over a 21-foot drop. A long, "wilderness" channel has Class II to IV rapids and play features; a steep and fast "competition" channel for slalom paddling made Charlotte the home base of the US canoe and kayak Olympic teams. Beyond the whitewater park, the facility sprawls over 700 acres, with climbing walls, bike paths, zip lines and 14 miles of trails.

Risa Shimoda, an International Whitewater Hall of Famer, river advocate and chair of USA Freestyle Kayaking, says Charlotte has been huge in increasing the mainstream popularity of boating—especially in providing exposure for competitive whitewater paddlers. "Whether you go there to see a concert, use the climbing wall or go rafting, it's all part of the place," says Shimoda.

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